Kids

How to Make Co-Sleeping Safe if You’re a Breastfeeding Mom

by Gretchen Gatan Fragada
May 3, 2023

There’s a huge debate when it comes to co-sleeping with babies so here’s how to make it safe—especially if you’re a breastfeeding mother.

When it comes to sleep safety, many experts are on the fence about whether or not to co-sleep (or share the same bed) with your baby. However, for most breastfeeding mothers, co-sleeping is an effective way for them to get more rest while easily nursing in the middle of the night. Of course, safety is always a top concern when it comes to sleeping with a baby—especially a newborn. Here are some tips to make co-sleeping with babies safe for breastfeeding moms.

Tips to Make Co-Sleeping Safe When You’re Breastfeeding

1. Create a Safe Sleeping Environment

The first step is to create a safe sleeping environment for your baby. This includes ensuring that the mattress is firm, flat, and free of any soft objects or bedding that could pose as a suffocation risk. Additionally, keep the sleeping surface clear of any pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals that could accidentally cover your baby’s face.

2. Keep Baby Close

To make breastfeeding more convenient, you may want to keep your baby close by using a co-sleeper bassinet or a bedside sleeper like the Joie Kubbie Sleep or Bambina 3-in-1 Portacrib. These types of versatile cribs allow your baby to sleep in their own space right beside your bed, so you can easily reach over and pick them up when it’s time to nurse.

3. Avoid Alcohol, Drugs, and Smoking

It is very important to avoid alcohol, drugs, and smoking when co-sleeping with your baby. These substances can impair your ability to respond to your baby’s needs and increase the risk of accidental suffocation or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

4. Use Safe Sleep Positioning

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of SIDS. This applies to co-sleeping as well! So make sure your baby is always placed on their back to sleep. Swaddles and sleep sacks from Love to Dream and Halo are safe to use and can help your baby sleep better, too.

5. Breastfeed Responsibly

Breastfeeding is a great way to bond with your baby and provide them with essential nutrients, but it’s important to do so responsibly when co-sleeping. Avoid falling asleep while nursing your baby and ensure that your baby is positioned correctly to reduce the risk of suffocation. You may want to consider using a nursing pillow to help support your child and keep them in a safe position.

If co-sleeping works for you as a breastfeeding mom, don’t feel guilty about it!

Co-sleeping with your baby is incredibly convenient, especially if you’re a breastfeeding mom. But it’s important to take precautions to ensure that it’s done safely. This way, you can enjoy the benefits of co-sleeping while minimizing the risks.